Walking Areas - The Flinders Ranges

The Flinders Ranges lie in an area of low average annual rainfall which gives them their special character. The colours, landscape and vegetation are shaped by the semi-arid environment and provide a unique area for walking in South Australia. Most walking is done in the colder months from May to October. Other times of the year are too hot and dry to make for pleasant walking. In winter temperatures during the day can still be over 30º C, so adequate head and body protection must be taken and worn. There are times, too, when the temperatures can be down to freezing, so walkers must be prepared for both extremes. The nights are generally cold, a phenomenon typical of inland areas, so a good sleeping bag is necessary.

One point to be borne in mind is that while the creek beds are generally dry and sandy and offer good sleeping places, a thunder-storm a few kilometres upstream can convert the dry bed into a raging torrent in a few minutes. It is far better to camp well above the creek bed, even though the site may be less attractive.

Of all the problems, water is the most difficult, since, due to low rainfall and rapid run off, surface water is scarce. Maps indicate the location of the most reliable streams, rock holes and wells, but there are times when these are dry. To cover such emergencies a minimum one litre of water must be carried by each walker. If the night’s supply of water is uncertain, then 4 to 5 litres must be carried.

One advantage for walkers is that there is little thick scrub, except in sections of Wilpena Pound, so that movement is generally easy. The area is extremely stony, and good well-soled boots are essential. Many pairs of sore feet have attested to the slight protection given by sandshoes on sharp rocks. (Reprinted from "Flinders Ranges Walks" Peter Beer 1997)

The Flinders Ranges commence 250kms north of Adelaide at Crystal Brook and continues north another 500kms to Mount Babbage. For the most part the ranges are in a semi-arid zone with rainfall from 400mm in the south to 200mm in the north.

The Ranges consist mainly of Pre-Cambrian rock which has been folded and faulted for over 500 million years to form rugged ranges with dramatic red-coloured rock faces. The blue skies and greenery of the mallee eucalypts, native pines and shrubs add to the colour of the region.

Creek beds are generally dry, lined with majestic River Red Gums, often cutting through the Ranges to form dramatic gorges. Waterfalls are often found and occasionally springs with welcome pools of water. The scrub is relatively sparse and is easy to pass through.

Walking in the Flinders Ranges is one of the unique experiences available to walkers in Australia. There are several major national parks and marked walking trails to cater for all levels of interest. Walks range from easy two to three hour circuits on clearly marked trails to overnight expeditions of up to a week’s duration, both on and off tracks.

Consists of three sections. This park is the most thickly vegetated of the Flinders Ranges parks due to the higher rainfall. This leads to a greater abundance of wildflowers and bird life.

Mt Remarkable adjacent to Melrose on the eastern side of the range.

Alligator Gorge via scenic drive from Wilmington on the eastern side of the range.

Mambray Creek the park headquarters, on the western side of the range, is reached from Highway 1 approximately 60 kms north of Port Pirie.

Activities: Bush camping, (permits required), bushwalking on marked trails, bird watching, photography.

National Parks camping ground is situated at Mambray Creek. Nearby camping and accommodation available at Melrose and Wilmington.

Access by car: The park is in the southern Flinders Ranges and is approximately 250 kms from Adelaide. Stateliner Bus Company provide a service to Mambray Creek on Highway 1, approximately 4km from the park entrance.

Maps: 1:50,000 Topographic sheets Melrose, Wilmington Heysen Trail Map 7 (Mount Remarkable to Quorn)

Other Places of Interest: Conservation Parks Telowie Gorge, Winninowie, Mt Brown, The Dutchmans Stern and Wirrabara Forest Reserve. Walk the historic town of Melrose, maps of the town can usually be obtained from the Council Office.

Flinders Ranges National Park This is in the centre of the Flinders Ranges and has an area of approximately 95,000 hectares. It is an area of dramatic rock faces, gorges and tree filled valleys. The main features include Wilpena Pound, St Marys Peak, Aroona Valley, Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges.

Activities: Bush camping (permit needed), bushwalking on an extensive network of marked trails, nature trails, bird watching, photography, scenic drives.

Maps: 1:50,000 Topographic sheets Wilpena, Oraparinna, Blinman, Moralana, Edeowie, Parachilna. Heysen Trail Map 4 (Parachilna Gorge to Wilpena)

Royal Automobile Association of South Australia Map: Flinders Ranges road map plus large scale map of Wilpena Pound.

The Gammon Ranges is a remote area consisting mainly of a dissected plateau with rugged gorges and numerous winding creeks. The Park is approximately 600km from Adelaide. Few walking tracks exist and it is recommended that only experienced walkers venture deeply into the ranges.

Activities: Bushwalks, bird-watching, photography. Car camping available at Weetootla Well (no water).

Access by car: Private transport only via gravel roads. - There are several routes available

Other Places of Interest: Arkaroola Village tourist complex approximately 30kms north provides camping sites, accommodation and meals.

Maps: 1:50,000 Topographic Illinawortina, Nepabunna, Serle, Angepena